James Husband: We’re all enjoying the challenge

15 July 2017

James Husband says he’s enjoyed his first week at Norwich after joining from Middlesbrough.

The left-back, making his first start for the Canaries in the win over Cambridge United, was pleased with how the match went. “It’s what we expected,” he said. “We know places like this will be tough, so it was no surprise – especially to some of the English boys. But it means we’ll be ready for the battle at the start of the season. It was nice to get out on the field and practice some of the ideas Daniel Farke has given us.”

Husband was deployed in a wing-back role in the first half of City’s 120-minute encounter against Cambridge United, and he’s enjoying picking up new ideas from Farke. “I’ve come here for a fresh start, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and hopefully I’ll thrive. The Heach Coach’s tactics are slightly different to how a full-back would normally play but it’s good to have new ideas given to you.

“It’s different for me, and everything’s new. I think things are new for a number of players, with different coaching. But we’re learning and if you watched today you can see we’re starting to get the ideas a bit better and we’re starting to open up our play a bit better.

“He’s very physically demanding – the boys have been worked very hard. His tactics are different to I’d say a normal English coach. But it’s a fresh challenge for us and we’re all enjoying the challenge ahead.”

With City starting in a 3-4-3 shape, the 120 minutes showed the fluidity which Farke has suggested fans will see throughout the season. “We’re keeping the ball better,” said Husband. “There are different ways he wants us to play – I won’t give away too much about those tactics! But you’ll see a few different ways over the season in how he wants us to play.”